my random ramblings

Tag Archives: principal sponsors

When it comes to the wedding preparation and practices you probably noticed that we are kind of different. We came from traditional Chinese families yet we are non-traditional thinkers with a hint of modern style. This makes our families say that we think like Westerners. We take that as a compliment.

I would like to say that it is not like we disregard tradition, it is just that we are practical.

So, when it comes to the daunting task of getting the principal sponsors or the ninongs and ninangs, we still made it non-traditional. Rebellious moves on our end, as most of our peers have gone through this the traditional way.

We have 8 pairs of principal sponsors. While to some that may be too many. But to us with a huge family that was the exact number. It even complies with the traditional Chinese thinking that 8 is a lucky number. Split into two, that means four pairs from the groom’s side and four pairs from the bride’s side.

That being said, imagine visiting and giving each of the pairs these “required items”- pork leg, misua (very thin variety of salted Chinese noodles made from wheat flour), fruits, sweets and more importantly fabric/s to be made into a suit/ to be made into a gown.

Kei already had his prospects for his principal sponsors; I on the other hand only had two. The other two was chosen by my parents. Most of our prospective sponsors have been sponsors before. Meaning they have been through this stuff already. Most of the males own more than one suit; the ladies have had lots of gowns made for them too. We also doubt if they really enjoy eating misua?! I can imagine them saying misua again?!

Meaty Vegetable Misua – Photo from Knorr Philippines

And one of our couples is Pinoy! So how do we explain to them the Chinese tradition of getting primary sponsors? I don’t think they would know what to do if we gave them the pork leg and misua stuff…etc. They even called us up to ask what our motif is so that they could buy their suit and gown! Woah! Hold it right there! Because as per Filipino tradition, they pay for their own attire.

Kei and I decided on going with our own version of the tradition. A modern and practical solution for everyone involved. We are going to give out our very own: Principal Sponsor Kit. (Much like what I did with the bridesmaids kits, but for another purpose. See my bridesmaids’ kits here)

our principal sponsor kits

For the the males a nice long sleeved polo shirt with tie – they get to wear their own suit without having to get another suit made, for the ladies it will still be the standard fabric – only twist is that we not only gave out the fabric of our chosen color, we also gave them lace. As an added bonus, we also gave out details regarding the wedding along with our love story. How is that for being organized? hahahaha!

inside the box of the female sponsor’s kit

We also traded the misua for most of the couples; it was replaced with us inviting the couple out to eat, like a double date. In the process getting to know them better and getting comfortable with them. Although we have 2 chosen sponsor couples are really traditionalist, we gave them the staple fare: pork leg, fruit, sweets and misua.

So far, the result of our rebellion has been positive.

The males are happy that they get to save money by wearing what they have/or their favorite suit and getting a nice polo + tie to boot. The ladies are excited to get another gown made without scrimping on the budget this time! (The ladies have no competition as the males will not have to get another suit made thus nothing to worry about!) Three couples even called us up to say that we were very thoughtful for giving them a hassle free solution to preparing their attire for the wedding. Practicality wins again!